Restrictions at “Ma Hwelve Taung” Gate creates problem for locals

May 3, 2024

HURFOM: After the Songkran Holidays, the military junta has restricted movement through “Ma Hwelve Taung” Security Gate at the border of the Mon State and the Tenasserim Division creating transportation and livelihood problem for locals and travelers.

Since the last week of April, the junta has permitted passage through the gate for only five hours a day – from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm.

“We’re selling goods so we have to wake up early to queue at the gate. Sometimes, they totally shut down the gate due to unusual situations. Sometimes, we have to wait the whole day to pass the gate. I slept at the gate last night as I was afraid of not reaching my work in time,” said a vendor.

The resistance forces have frequently attacked the security gate and the military junta has responded with indiscriminate air assaults on the nearby villages.

“I went shopping. Nothing happened but when I was going back, the junta shut down the gate without giving any reason. I had to sleep in the street,” said a female traveler.

The security forces at the gate are not forcing travelers to show their ID cards like before, but they have added many more security forces at the gate, according to the locals.

“On April 25th, I had to send an emergency patient but they didn’t allow me to pass through the gate, because it was 10 pm already,” said an ambulance driver.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News